1.1
General
The management
of electrical safety should be designed to provide protection from:
Electric
shock arising from:
- exposed contacts,
- damaged insulation
on equipment or extension leads, or
- wet conditions
in the area of equipment used
Risk
of fire arising from:
- heating equipment
- overloaded circuits
- loose connections
- short circuits,
or
- inappropriate
electrical equipment in hazardous atmospheres
1.2
Standards for electrical installations
All electrical installations must comply with the Regulations under
the Electricity Act and Workplace Health & Safety Act. These both
require compliance with AS 3000-1986 Electrical installations- Buildings,
structures and premises and other related Australian standards.
1.3
Testing of new equipment
Many electrical appliances are imported from overseas and on several occasions
the wiring arrangements and colours used have been found to be different
to those required by Australian standards. In some cases incorrect connection
of the appliances has led to dangerous electrical situations. This emphasises
the need for qualified personnel to carry out the initial wiring of appliance
plugs and to test and, where appropriate, tag new equipment before it
is put into service.
All equipment at SASVRC must be compliance tested before it is used in
the laboratory.
1.4
Multi-outlet power boards & double adaptors
With the increasing use of electrical and electronic appliances in
most workplaces, SASVRC has a shortage of general purpose power points
in many areas. This has led to the use of double adaptors or multi-outlet
power boards. The use of double adaptors and multi-outlet power boards
can be unsafe because of the potential for overloading, and inadequate
protection of circuits. Double adaptors are particularly prone to the
connections working loose with the resultant potential for overheating
or contact with live terminals. In addition, where multi-outlet power
boards are not secured they are very vulnerable to damage and have been
frequently found covered with water or conductive solutions in laboratories,
workshops and outdoor situations. It is recognised that at times it will
be necessary to use electrical socket outlet adaptors, however it is preferable
to progressively install sufficient general purpose outlets for all of
the equipment in the workplace.
1.5
Double adaptors and piggy-back plugs
- Must not be used
in workshops, construction sites or laboratories.
- Should be progressively
phased out in all other work are
1.6
Multi-outlet power boards
Where use is permitted they must comply with AS 3105 Approval and
test specification for electrical portable outlet devices including:
- current overload
protection and
- a switch controlling
the whole board or switches for each outlet and
- must be securely
mounted clear of the work-bench or floor
1.7
Electrical extension leads
It is important to
ensure that all electrical extension leads are in good condition before
they are used. In addition to periodic testing, users should before each
use check to see that the lead has a current test tag, the plug and socket
are properly secured to the cord and that there are no cuts or tears in
the outer insulation. Significant amounts of heat can be generated by
electrical leads that may lead to fires; especially if the current rating
for the electrical lead is exceeded. The heating effect is exacerbated
by coiling of leads or placing them under mats or rugs. When using extension
leads ensure that they are fully extended, not covered by mats, and not
placed where they could be a tripping hazard (eg across aisles or corridors). |
